WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emphasized the critical role of the nominees for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the wake of the catastrophic flash flooding in Texas that claimed over 130 lives. Sen. Cruz announced plans to introduce legislation to modernize weather warning systems and to ensure better coverage for every American, especially those located in areas with poor cell service.

Sen. Cruz also highlighted the Department of Transportation nominees’ experience and expertise, which will help improve transportation safety, advance new transportation technologies, and strengthen American supply chains.

Among the legislation being considered is Sen. Cruz’s bipartisan Space Exploration Research Act. The bill seeks to support the education and development of a 21^st century space workforce. Other legislation being considered aims to protect the livelihoods of America’s fishermen and promote American competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.

Here are Sen. Cruz’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Today we’ll consider three bills, several Coast Guard promotions, and a slew of nominees for roles at the Departments of Commerce and Transportation, including Neil Jacobs to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere—the head of NOAA—and several key DOT modal administrators.

“Weeks ago, Texas was hit with catastrophic flash flooding that claimed over 130 lives.  It was a sobering reminder of man’s fragility in the face of Mother Nature—and of the need to prepare for the next storm.  Just last night, tsunami alerts were issued across the Pacific following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia.  The employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service play a critical role in forecasting and emergency notification for these rapid-onset events.

“I believe Mr. Jacobs and Taylor Jordan, who will also be reported out this morning for a top role at NOAA, will improve our systems to better respond to such disasters.  My hope is that they’ll have more resources at their disposal: Ranking Member Cantwell and I will soon introduce legislation to modernize NOAA weather radio warning systems and ensure that every American, especially those in areas with poor cell service, aren’t left in the dark when it matters the most.

“I’d like to say a few things about the legislation we’re marking up.

“It’s fitting that with the close of Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws, we’re taking up the SHARKED Act.  Introduced by Senators Scott of Florida and Schatz, this bill tackles shark depredation, which occurs when sharks steal hooked or caught fish before anglers can reel them in.  It would establish a task force to develop practical solutions to help fishermen land their catch—before the sharks beat them to it. 

“The Streamlining American Manufacturing Strategy Act, introduced by Senators Blunt Rochester and Budd, will help us better compete with China in advanced manufacturing.  It aligns the Manufacturing USA Program with the National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing.

“Finally, we’re marking up the Space Exploration Research Act.  This bill authorizes NASA centers to sign agreements with states, universities, or nonprofits to develop unused facilities for space research.  This helps not just the Johnson Space Center in Texas, but all NASA centers, including New Mexico’s White Sands Test Facility, Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center, Ohio’s Glenn Research Center, and West Virginia’s Katherine Johnson Facility.  I thank Senators Padilla, Schiff, Lujan, Britt, and Wicker for joining my bipartisan legislation.

“For the information of senators, there are a few changes to today’s markup agenda.  We will no longer be moving the Traveler Privacy Protection Act from Senators Merkley and Kennedy.  This bill is designed to put guardrails on TSA and stop another government agency from potentially collecting sensitive personal information about American citizens.  My understanding is that some members want additional information about the bill, so we’ll keep working on it later.

“I know many of you have other markups and appointments, and we have a lot of roll call votes planned for today.  Given attendance, I don’t expect to get through all of the nominees, so we’re going to split this up.  I expect we have time to get through six or seven of our nominees today.”

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